Death of a Schoolgirl

Oct 26, 2012 Nattie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'd like to say I loved the book, because I love Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester, I didn't love it though. It was a good quick read, but after a bit I just felt let down. I would have liked it more had it been about some mystery set at home where Jane and Edward and Mrs. Fairfax could all be present.

The mystery was very drawn out, not coming to an end until nearly the last few pages. It seems impossible that only a couple days passed in the book, because it felt like an eternity. It was a quick r...more I'd like to say I loved the book, because I love Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester, I didn't love it though. It was a good quick read, but after a bit I just felt let down. I would have liked it more had it been about some mystery set at home where Jane and Edward and Mrs. Fairfax could all be present.

The mystery was very drawn out, not coming to an end until nearly the last few pages. It seems impossible that only a couple days passed in the book, because it felt like an eternity. It was a quick read, but it somehow managed to seem as though the end would never come. Jane repeated the same lines over and over in various ways. At times it was as though they were trying to run out the clock.

Jane and Edward's love story really touched my heart in Jane Eyre, but here I found it rather nauseating. All was well before Jane left for London, but after, all that flowery goo-goo stuff just got on me nerves. Ugh!

The mystery itself was OK. Selina the murdered schoolgirl was obviously straight from hell. I guess since they were killing a teenager they had to make her horrid.

Selina was 16, but because she was big like a fully grown woman Jane felt she didn't deserve the title of child, yet there was another girl at the school just a few months or so younger who was still a child in her eyes. The other girl was small and delicate, so she gets to be a child. I thought it was age that determined things like that? I found that outlook really troublesome because people think like that now. If Selina had been more Adele' size, then she is a child, but since she weighs nearly as much as Edward, she is no child according to Jane. I also thought having the teacher spit in Selina's face while in her coffin was in poor taste. I wasn't against Selina being killed due to the reasons why she was killed, but I still didn't like how it was all written.

I also didn't very much like how the writer continously harped on and on about how ugly Ms. Thurston was or how nothing Ms. Miller was and how pretty Rose was. Jane quite often got on my nerves with her superior attitude inside her head. She would make little comments to herself with somewhat of a smirk about how she was really the wife of a squire and shouldn't be treated like the "little" people any longer, after all, she was now a fine lady and such. Ugh. (less)

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Dec 15, 2012 Peter Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jane Eyre and Joanna Campbell Slan—A Match Made in Heaven

What reader of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre has not admired its heroine’s pluck, intelligence and bravery in the face of the criminal abuse, misdeeds and irresponsibility of the wealthy class? And who hasn’t wondered what fate and adventures awaited the newly united couple, young Jane and her gallant but disabled Edward Fairfax Rochester?

Now comes the meteoric Joanna Campbell Slan, who has written a sequel so apt, so natural and so skillfu...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Marci rated it 2 of 5 stars

A manuscript by "Jane Eyre" has been found, and Slan is "translating" it into novel(s) for our modern delight. The trouble is, she isn't as good at mimicking the voice of the original, so she recaps a TON of Jane Eyre itself, which is a good way of undercutting her own assertion that the novel we actually have is only the first volume in what had been planned as a multi-volume set--for if that had been the first volume, why tell half of it over again in volume 2? In addition, Slan doesn't logica...more A manuscript by "Jane Eyre" has been found, and Slan is "translating" it into novel(s) for our modern delight. The trouble is, she isn't as good at mimicking the voice of the original, so she recaps a TON of Jane Eyre itself, which is a good way of undercutting her own assertion that the novel we actually have is only the first volume in what had been planned as a multi-volume set--for if that had been the first volume, why tell half of it over again in volume 2? In addition, Slan doesn't logically account for the role of Charlotte Bronte in writing the autobiography of someone Slan says is "real." I didn't like the illogic in the setup.

Then I was thrown off by Jane putting a tag on her trunk reading "Mrs. Jane Eyre Rochester." How could she totally ignore the proper form of address for herself when her husband is still alive? Then she addresses a baron named (I've forgotten his name. I'll substitute something) "Sir Walter Elliott" as "Sir Elliott." Really! A number of letters are included in this book, and not a single one of them reads with the formality I expected after having read hundreds of personal letters by people who actually lived in this period of time. Even letters between spouses are rather formal sounding to us modern people, but Slan does not account for the wrongness of a modern form of address and closing in the letters she includes in this novel.

There are so many implausible things in this book that I lost count. Why did I continue? I'm not sure! The pacing was terrible. There were long sections that I thought were described in minute detail because they would eventually have a bearing on the mystery, but they turned out to be superfluous. That was annoying. The whole jewel robbery should have been cut. It had no bearing on the central mystery and served only as a distraction and as an anticlimax after the central mystery is solved.

Here's a section I skipped and then went back to because I really could not believe the poor editing in this bad change of pace: the author actually has Jane crawling out an upper-story window into a tree during the climax of the book, and she takes nearly two pages to describe her progress down the tree! No kidding! Why was this given so much attention? Was she being paid by the word? It is soooo not important. All that matters is that Jane gets out, gets down, and meets . . . ok, but that WOULD be a spoiler.

The mystery itself is decent. The clues are well enough hidden to satisfy most readers. The characters are mostly well drawn and the voice is close to Bronte's original, although not spot on with the jarring missteps I already noted in addition to others you can find for yourself, if you want to try this book. I shall not be reading another one of this series.(less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the wake of the events at Thornfield, Jane and Edward have taken up residence at Ferndean. Edward is still recovering from his injuries in the fire and the couple has recently welcomed a new addition to their family -- son Ned. During all of this, Adele has been living in London, a student at Alderton House School for Girls. When a disturbing letter arrives from Adele containing pleas for help and a shocking threat, Jane decides she will travel to London to check on the girl. Edward is under...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Aidan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical mystery lovers and fans of Jane Eyre

Recommended to Aidan by: Charlene

Shelves: mysteries, pmr-bookclub, historical-fiction

My concern was that this book might be impenetrable to those who haven't read the Bronte's original but I think Slan does an excellent job of explaining as much as you need to know about her characters without overburdening you with the backstory. The result is a book that ought to be accessible to fans and newcomers alike.

Death of a Schoolgirl is not only an excellent sequel to Jane Eyre, it's a really engaging historical murder mystery with its own we'll developed characters and a fascinating...more

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Aug 30, 2012 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

In her classic tale, Charlotte Brontë introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. Picking up where Brontë left off, Jane’s life has settled into a comfortable pattern: She and her beloved Edward Rochester are married and have an infant son. But Jane soon finds herself in the midst of new challenges and threats to those she loves…

Jane and Edward are very upset by a letter they receive from Adèle Varens, Rochester's ward. She is residing at a boarding school in London and th...more In her classic tale, Charlotte Brontë introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. Picking up where Brontë left off, Jane’s life has settled into a comfortable pattern: She and her beloved Edward Rochester are married and have an infant son. But Jane soon finds herself in the midst of new challenges and threats to those she loves…

Jane and Edward are very upset by a letter they receive from Adèle Varens, Rochester's ward. She is residing at a boarding school in London and the letter is a cry for help. Adèle has a tendency to be a bit dramatic and she craves attention but Jane feels Adèle is truly in trouble.

Jane decides she must go to London immediately even if that means leaving her son and invalid husband behind, traveling alone into the big city. Her travels are event filled but nothing comes close to arriving at the school just in time to see a body being removed. A classmate of Adèle's has died and no one seems very upset. Jane uses the chaos created by a teacher leaving and her replacement being delayed to pose as an instructor to find out what is really going on behind the walls of the school. She starts to uncover some "unsavory secrets" that may lead to her own demise.

Dollycas's Thoughts
A FANTASTIC STORY!!!! This is one of those that earns well beyond the five stars!!!

Joanna Campbell Slan has masterfully dropped us right into Jane's life. She picks up right where Charlotte Bronte leaves off and spins a wonderful tale turning Jane Eyre into a Nancy Drew from 1820. What a marvelous idea.

Jane has evolved into a wife and a mother still retaining the complexity and strength that Bronte created. She has overcome so much in her life and emerged a strong woman with a compassionate heart. Edward Rochester has grown as well, coming to terms with his disabilities as the high price for the errors of his past, but not letting them consume him. Together they are the perfect match and their love just shines. The author has made these characters jump right off the page and into our hearts. A trip back in time to visit some dear old friends.

The mystery is dynamic with many twists, turns and surprises. It is well researched giving the reader a clear sense of history and place.

Beautifully written. The writing style reminds me of Charlotte Bronte herself. While the novel Jane Eyre was said to be "ahead of its time" and explored many social themes and mores, this "chronicle" is timed perfectly to show us life as the Rochester's move forward. Their eyes are have now been opened to the world outside Ferndean Manor. As the make plans to rebuild Thornfield Hall I see them taking on more responsibilities as landowners to care of the people around them.

This will be one of my Best Reads of 2012. Right now it holds the top spot!! A Extraordinary Read!! A More Than PERFECT ESCAPE!! A great way to introduce a new generation to Jane Eyre.(less)

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Aug 12, 2012 Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read the book "Jane Eyre" back in my middle school years. It was required reading for us. I can see, upon reading this novel, that I need to re-visit the novel.

This novel opens with an eye to Jane's future. Jane is married to Squire Rochester and they have a child. There is anxiety though. Mr. Rochester's ward, Adele is in a boarding school in London and appears to have secreted out a message for help.

I do not want to give away too many details, but, Jane goes undercover to find out why a scho...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-literary

A pleasing blend of a favorite literary character -- Jane Eyre Rochester -- and Victorian mystery. The story starts off with Jane having delivered a son. She and Edward enjoy their secluded life at Ferndean, but become concerned when they receive a worrying letter from Adele, who is attending a girls' school in London. Edward wants to go to London immediately to determine what's wrong, but his doctor tells him that he needs rest for several days to reduce the inflammation in his one good eye. So...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Nancy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

This debut title in The Jane Eyre Chronicles will charm you into wanting to read more. Jane is now married to Mr. Rochester. She enjoys an elevated status in society and has given birth to a son. However, she leaves the comfort of home when a mysterious message arrives from her husband’s ward, young Adele Varens. The frightening missive indicates the girl’s life may be in danger. Jane travels to the child’s school where she is mistaken for a new teacher. With the help of an old friend who recogn...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Julie Failla Earhart rated it 5 of 5 stars

Charlotte Bronte wrote one of the greatest love stories of all time, the gothic novel Jane Eyre. When readers last see Jane, the Thornfield mansion lies on fiery ruins, she has married her beloved Edward Rochester, and has given birth to a son. Many critics say the ending is disturbing and complex; others say it is easy to decipher and leaves no dangling strings.
Now mystery and nonfiction author Joanna Campbell Slan takes up where Bronte left off in her new mystery. The new book takes up where B...more Charlotte Bronte wrote one of the greatest love stories of all time, the gothic novel Jane Eyre. When readers last see Jane, the Thornfield mansion lies on fiery ruins, she has married her beloved Edward Rochester, and has given birth to a son. Many critics say the ending is disturbing and complex; others say it is easy to decipher and leaves no dangling strings.
Now mystery and nonfiction author Joanna Campbell Slan takes up where Bronte left off in her new mystery. The new book takes up where Bronte’s ended. It is April 1820 and Jane has given birth to a son. She and Rochester are deliriously happy.
The novel skips to October when Jane receives several troublesome letters from Adele Varens, Edward’s ward. Adele is in a London boarding school. The letters indicate that lives are in jeopardy and “Help!” is scrawled across the top of one such letter.
Jane, as much as she hates to leave baby Ned and Edward, decides that she cannot be completely happy unless she is sure that Adele is safe and unharmed. On her way she is robbed of the Rochester jewels. But that is a side story.
When Jane arrives at the school, a dead body is being removed. Fearing it is Adele, Jane sneaks into the school’s kitchen. Upon the discovery of her intrusion, Jane assumes the role of the missing German teacher. The dead girl turns out to be one of Adele’s classmates and bunks in the bed beside hers.
Jane, as the new teacher, begins to uncover many dark secrets that lead in several directions. Could there be a sadist among the women who care for the girls? What about the amount of alcohol that the superintendent and cook seem to imbibe? And how did those caning scars come to be on more than one of the student’s backs? Jane is determined to find out, refusing to leave even when her life is in danger. Before the novel ends in November 1820, Jane learns more than she ever thought possible.
Campbell Slan does a remarkable job in imitating Jane’s voice and Bronte’s style. Granted, it’s been a long time since I’ve read Jane Eyre, but the voice and style seem dead on (no pun intended). The story moves at a quick pace and readers will not easily be able to lay the story aside. The dialogue was smooth and matched the timeframe without being cloying antiquated. The details were certainly well researched.
Campbell Slan is the author of one of my favorite cozy mystery series featuring Kiki Lowenstein. Her talent shines in that she is able to trade Kiki’s voice to imitate another protagonist’s voice so well. Death of a Schoolgirl is the first book in the Jane Eyre Chronicles. I can’t wait for Jane’s next adventure.
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Sep 15, 2012 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered what happened to Jane Eyre Rochester and her husband Edward after the fire that destroyed the manor?

Joanna Campbell Slan puts her in London trying to solve a mystery, a murder mystery that has happened at the school where Edward's ward Adele has been placed.

There are plenty of twists and turns to this mystery and a lot of weaving the original story of Jane Eyre into the current story. I had no idea who killed Adele's classmate and the culprit surprised me but that always...more

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May 20, 2013 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

Joanna's book continues the story of Jane Eyre. Jane is happily married & recently a mother. Her husband's ward, Adele, is enrolled in a boarding school. She sends notes begging for help. Edward Rochester is advised by his doctor not to travel, so Jane goes by herself. Mistaken for a replacement teacher, she stays to help solve a mysterious death and a few other odd things that have happened. The author has written a book that makes you forget you are not reading Charlotte Bronte's work. Wel...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Catherine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: modern-fiction

Although this book's value as a sequel or continuation of the story of Jane Eyre is questionable, this is what made me pick up the book at my library. Once I got over my disappointment that it wasn't even close to the same quality or caliber as Jane Eyre (really...who can write like Jane Austen?), I was sucked in to the mystery and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was a fast read that kept me up late at night and had me reading at every spare moment. I may even watch for the sequel (due out some...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Cathy Cole rated it 5 of 5 stars

First Line: Reader, I am delivered of a son.

That first line will make any lover of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre smile. The Rochesters live in Ferndean with their six-month-old son Ned, and their servants. It's been a life of seclusion, and Rochester is still recuperating from the injuries he sustained when Thornfield burned to the ground.

Rochester's ward, Adèle Varens is ten years old and in a boarding school in London. Jane is worried about her because what few letters they've received from th...more First Line: Reader, I am delivered of a son.

That first line will make any lover of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre smile. The Rochesters live in Ferndean with their six-month-old son Ned, and their servants. It's been a life of seclusion, and Rochester is still recuperating from the injuries he sustained when Thornfield burned to the ground.

Rochester's ward, Adèle Varens is ten years old and in a boarding school in London. Jane is worried about her because what few letters they've received from the girl have sounded strange and have imparted very little information-- a decided change from Adèle's normal behavior.

On the day when Rochester's doctor comes for a visit, they receive a letter from Adèle. It's another short, bland missive, but in a faint scribble on the page, Jane sees the words Au secours! (help) repeated three times. At first the Rochesters believe that the overly dramatic little girl is merely making a bid for attention, but when Jane finds a small note that looks very much like a threat included with the letter, the decision is made that Jane will go to London to make sure that everything is all right. Rochester is under doctor's orders to remain at home and will follow her in a few days.

The journey to London is a nightmare made even worse when Jane is beaten and robbed at one of the stops. Barely pausing at the home of Rochester's friend (where she'll be staying), Jane rushes to the school in time to see a body being taken away in the pouring rain. One of the schoolgirls is dead. What is first believed to be death by natural causes soon turns into a murder investigation, and since Adèle was partnered with the dead girl and vocal about not liking her, the Bow Street Runners are very interested in speaking to her.

The school is one teacher short, and a plan is formulated to have Jane temporarily pose as a teacher to insure that not only Adèle but all the girls are safe while the search is on for the murderer. This decision will put Jane's life in danger as well.

When I first learned of this book, I thought about all the novels based on Jane Austen's characters and thought, "It's about time Jane Eyre got her turn!" I'm not one for re-reading books, but there's always an exception to any rule. Jane Eyre is my exception to the No Re-Reading Rule.

Joanna Campbell Slan writes in a style so very reminiscent of Brontë's classic, but never is she a slave to the original. The style of the writing pulled me in immediately, but the story itself is what made me devour the pages. I was so engrossed and reading so quickly that it's a miracle that my eyeballs didn't catch fire. Little brave, intelligent, observant Jane is a perfect sleuth, and with the dead girl being so universally disliked by everyone at the school, all the clues Jane gathers don't seem to shorten the list of suspects.

The author introduces several new characters that add a great deal to the book, and I was also happy to discover that the police officer in charge of the investigation wasn't a slow-witted, belligerent oaf. A secondary plot line involving Jane's mugging kept me intrigued throughout; I almost couldn't keep myself from peeking ahead to see if I'd solved that particular mystery correctly.

Have you ever read a book in which you couldn't guess the identity of the killer, then when the person is revealed you want to slap yourself silly? That's me with Death of a Schoolgirl. I didn't know whodunit it until the most obvious clue of all was given... and then I realized that the author had placed clues throughout the book that I just hadn't seen. I love it when that happens!

If you're getting the impression that I loved this book, you are one hundred per cent correct. I only had one small item that momentarily threw me offstride (a question about the timeline and the potato famine in Ireland), but I shook that off immediately and kept on devouring the book. If you are a Jane Eyre lover, chances are excellent that you will love this book, too. (Get a copy now!) If you've never read the classic novel, I think that you will still enjoy this book as the marvelous historical mystery that it is.

I only have one question: When will I be able to get my hands on the next book in the Jane Eyre Chronicles???
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Jul 30, 2012 Charlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-eyre, own, review-request

I am so happy I was not disappointed by this book!! I loved the story and the fact that the author took great pains to capture Charlotte Brontë's writing style, making this book feel like a continuation of Jane's "autobiographies" as she continues to tell the story of her life. Having read a couple of books with the set-up of Jane writing a "what-happened-next" story, I believe Joanna Campbell Slan has done the best job in approximating Charlotte Brontë's flowery prose and capturing the sensible...more I am so happy I was not disappointed by this book!! I loved the story and the fact that the author took great pains to capture Charlotte Brontë's writing style, making this book feel like a continuation of Jane's "autobiographies" as she continues to tell the story of her life. Having read a couple of books with the set-up of Jane writing a "what-happened-next" story, I believe Joanna Campbell Slan has done the best job in approximating Charlotte Brontë's flowery prose and capturing the sensible, intelligent voice of Jane.

I think it is important to comment especially on the characterization of Jane and Rochester and how well their married life is captured- Jane is recreated almost perfectly, with all of her confidence and compassion, and she deals with the events calmly with "resources never suspected". I liked how the author has matured Jane as well, since she is married and a mother, with more responsibilities. Mr. Rochester has matured too, accepting his disabilities and willing to follow doctor's orders carefully to restore his eyesight. Even if it means letting Jane travel to London without him. I think the tenor of their married life in this book is perfect, and as loving and romantic as the original novel.

The story was a great character-driven mystery, with a wide choice of possible suspects, and subtle clues that were very hard to pick up on. I was really kept in the dark until the very end, where even when the matter seemed resolved, there was another twist. Adele was turned into some great comic relief, and I loved how forthright she was, despite everyone disparaging her French nature. This novel also incorporates some history and social discussions pertinent to Jane and Rochester's status and the time period the novel is set in. It is a subtle shift in tone from the original novel where the focus is on Jane's development and her struggles, to this new story that creates a Jane, who, having found herself, can now help others. There are wider responsibilities that Jane and Rochester face as a part of society and also landowners and Jane also has to face the ugly rumors circulated by the Ingrams about Rochester and their relationship. (I can't wait until Rochester hears about it!) All this adds more dimension to the story - setting up more themes to be explored in later installments of the Jane Eyre Chronicles. (Next one is reportedly called Death of a Dowager... Dowager Lady Ingram??? <-- pure speculation on my part!)

There is plenty of explanation and back story for readers who haven't read the original novel, or who have not read it in awhile, so it is easy to sit back and enjoy this layered and well-executed historical mystery. And fans of the original novel will appreciate the intelligence and care the author has taken to maintain the spirit of Jane.(less)

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Jan 30, 2013 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

This one is actually between a three and a four - it seems well researched and the mystery is very well plotted. But - somehow, Jane Eyre didn't seem quite like Jane to me. Perhaps she was a little anachronistic?

A good story with some interesting details and unexpected turns. But I was hoping for more of Jane's passion for justice, and somehow if felt a little too distant. That's just my opinion, of course! I'd still happily recommend it to patrons who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries.

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Jan 12, 2013 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. Books that try to resurrect a classic character usually fail miserably, in my opinion, but this was a gift (and autographed at that!) so I felt obliged to give it a shot. It certainly had parts that were gag-worthy (ie, the romance part), but as a mystery I liked it. It was somewhat over the top in parts, but was a good enough excuse to stay in sweats and neglect all housework for a day.

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Oct 15, 2012 Gail rated it 3 of 5 stars

This continues the story of Jane Eyre, after she has married Mr Rochester. In this tale, she travels to London to check on the well-being of Mr Rochester's daughter, who is at school there. She stumbles upon a murder and resolves to find the killer in order to keep the other school children safe. The plot has a slow pace and I had to force myself to keep reading, although I didn't know the identity of the killer until the final chapter. If you loved the book Jane Eyre, you'll probably like this...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Naomi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Being a HUGE fan of Charlotte Bronte and reading Jane Eyre more time than I can count, I enjoyed looking at the incorporation of the characters into this book. On a side note (and the reasons for the 4 stars), there were a couple of inaccuracies that tended to irk me.

I really hope this book becomes a series. Given Jane's emotional and intellectual strenghts, I think she would make a rockin' detective!

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Dec 24, 2012 Rita Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this "Jane Eyre" mystery and hope there will be many more to come. Fabulous plotting. At several points I thought I knew whodunit, but turned out to be completely wrong at the end. Anyone who can guess the culprit is far more clever than I. The characters are appealing, very well rounded; no one is purely good or bad. And the historical detail is beautifully done. Definitely one of the best historical mysteries I have ever read.

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Aug 26, 2012 Susan Furlong-Bolliger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Every once in a while, I come across a book that I can't put down. DEATH OF A SCHOOL GIRL was one such book. It had been years since I read Jane Eyre, but I had no problem picking right up with the storyline. The author did an excellent job with historical details and capturing Jane's voice. The mystery played out well and kept me guessing until the end. Highly Recommended!

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Feb 10, 2013 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not the kind of book I would usually choose, but I was plesantly surprised. Especially since I did not have to re-read Jane Eyre to catch up. I will not add Ms. Slan to my favorite author list just yet, because this book was a bit slow for my taste. Good read, but slow. This is the kind of book I would need for an extremely long plane ride.

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Dec 21, 2012 Delaina rated it 2 of 5 stars

I made it to page 15 before the writing actually made me giggle in a not-good way. After that I realized that I didn't have to slog through any more of it before deciding if it was any good or not. The first-person narration is inspired by Jane Eyre's voice, but is nowhere near as compelling, interesting, or sympathetic.

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Apr 09, 2013 Joanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. As a Jane Eyre fan from way back I always wondered "what happened next" and I guess you would call this book one opinion. I think another reviewer here mentioned that it is written somewhat in the style of the Brontes but no so much the reader gets bogged down in the old style prose. Looking forward to the next installment!

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Sep 30, 2012 Aubry rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book made me want to go back and re-read Jane Eyre. The characters were well-written and likeable. But the best part was that I honestly didn't know whodunit until they revealed at the end, which I throughly enjoyed the surprise. I'm excited to see when this author releases a new Jane Eyre mystery.

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Sep 02, 2012 Dru Ann Love rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a good mystery that kept me turning the pages as I had to know who was doing what to whom in this charming whodunit. The author did an excellent job in maintaining the essence and writing style of Ms. Bronte. If you are a fan of Bronte's Jane Eyre, then you'll enjoy this foray into Jane's new life.

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Mar 19, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, british, historical, mystery, mystery-cosy

Enjoyable Jane Eyre setting and style, a mystery that was complex enough to keep you guessing at least 3/4 of the way through, and an interesting historical context early in the reign of George IV. Some parts towards the end, like climbing trees, seemed too slapstick and not needed for the story.

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Mar 06, 2013 Torieqwq rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a projected series with Jane Eyre as our crime-solving heroine. I enjoyed meeting old friends again and could see how new characters will be used in future books. The story was a little slow in the middle, so I skipped to the end, and then read back.

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Nov 16, 2012 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story! Jane Eyre was a fun and wonderful character - so entertaining that I would often feel that her story was really taking place. I could have kept right on reading... Definitely would recommend to others who enjoy a good mystery.

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Oct 07, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Suspenseful, romantic historical mystery. Fans of the original Jane Eyre will enjoy, as well as fans of historical fiction such as Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mystery series.

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Death of a Schoolgirl (The Jane Eyre Chronicles #1)

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